When Steve experienced a severe heart attack, known as a widowmaker, it was a wake-up call on how quickly life can change. This type of heart attack is particularly perilous due to its impact on the left anterior descending artery (LAD). On what seemed like just another day, Steve felt compelled to take a late afternoon bike ride—a decision that would lead to life-altering consequences. Who knew a bike ride could be fatal? Upon returning home, he rapidly developed alarming symptoms: cold sweats, disorientation, indigestion-like pain, arm tingling, and escalating chest pain. These symptoms quickly intensified, and within minutes, Steve collapsed. 

Recognizing the critical nature of the situation, I immediately called 911 and performed CPR until the emergency responders arrived. Despite experiencing multiple cardiac arrests, the timely medical interventions at the hospital, including the placement of a stent and a balloon pump, were crucial in saving his life. This harrowing experience highlighted the importance of early recognition and response to heart attack symptoms.

After a heart-stopping 5 days in the ICU and a brief stay in gen pop, the physical therapy team evaluated Steve’s recovery. Remarkably, they downgraded the need for acute rehab care and cleared him to come home just a week after he had coded 23 times and spent 3 days on full life support.

Bringing Steve home felt daunting, similar to bringing home a newborn. It was exhilarating yet terrifying, knowing you’re wholly responsible for their well-being. To prepare, I sought as much information as possible to ensure our home was not only safe for Steve but also manageable for me. The following are some products that greatly assisted us during this critical recovery phase.

Essential Products for Recovery

Adjustable Bed

To aid in comfortable sleeping and easy elevation for Steve, which was necessary for his heart condition and overall comfort. Since we only have a regular mattress, this wedge has been awesome. I did end up ordering 2 different ones as the first was too soft for his back. Orthopedic Bed Wedge Pillow for Sleeping, Gel Memory Foam Post Surgery Pillow

Shower Chair and Handheld Shower Hea

These were indispensable for preventing slips in the shower and allowing Steve to bathe independently without standing for long periods. I chose this bench over a hospital chair because…cuter, duh! And it has aesthetic function beyond just the critical rehab period. Mama can now shave her legs without hiking my legs up on the glass. We quickly learned that when Steve was first using a metal stool (until our shower bench arrived) there was no place to put the handheld shower head. This little bench has a spot to secure it so it doesn’t spray everywhere. A great additional benefit. Waterproof Bathroom Bench Shower Stool with Storage Shelf,

Grab Bars

Installed in the bathroom and along hallways to provide support and prevent falls. We already had a shower bar but these bars would work great if you don’t have them in the home. Grab Bar 2 Pack Suction Grab Bars for Bathtubs and Showers

Medical Alert System

A wearable emergency button system gave us peace of mind, knowing that help could be easily summoned in a crisis. While Steve’s LifeVest is a total pain in the butt, it’s been a literal lifesaver for me. When the alarm goes off, which is does often (due to movement not heart issues) he simply knows to yell out “I’m okay” so that I don’t sprint into action. The vest monitors heart rhythms and uploads data daily to the doctor. He will wear it for 90 days and then we will have the data needed to know if he is a candidate for a Pacemaker. If the LifeVest wasn’t an option I would definitely order a device like this in order to stay somewhat sane.

• Location Plus – No Monthly Fees Ever – One-Touch Direct Connect, Emergency Communicator Pendant Medical Alert 
• I’m currently waiting to ask our doctor about this Caregiver alert system. I’ll update if we go with one.

Medication Organizer and Reminder

To manage the various medications prescribed during recovery, ensuring Steve took the right doses at the right times. I’d also recommend having a pill cutter as the medications and dosages are changed often.

• Pill Organizer: We quickly learned that the neurological issues, caused by the heart attack and coma, make sorting pills impossible for Steve. I’m manually sorting them for now but this organizer can do it for you if you want a different option. It also locks and has reminders.
• Apple Watch, set up with reminders to take medication. It also records heart rhythm, heart rate, exercise, etc. Steve doesn’t like to wear a watch but this was non-negotiable. I also set it up to send me all the data so that I can monitor him if I have to run short errands. 

Comfortable, Non-slip Footwear

To prevent falls and provide stability as Steve regained his mobility. Bending over to tie his shoes was too difficult so we are upgrading his stylish wardrobe to these cute Hey Dudes. As his walks get a bit longer having comfy walking shoes is imperative.

Nutritious Meals

As a health coach I fully understand the importance of “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. I love cooking and the challenge of changing Steve’s diet so his heart can recover is right up my alley. However, a full diet overhaul can be overwhelming.  Focusing on heart-healthy ingredients to aid in recovery while reducing the stress of meal preparation, I leaned on meal services such as Factor and Blue Apron to supplement some of the meals. 

• Factor: We just started with Factor and have been really happy. Meals come in individual servings and everything we have tried have been delicious. All the meals are “chef prepared, dietitian-approved meals”. The Factor Ingredient Philosophy aligns with my own nutrition goal. “At Factor, we focus on utilizing whole-food ingredients with science-backed health benefits. These ingredients are carefully selected to provide a variety of nutrients and flavors to help you achieve your daily dietary needs.” The shakes and wellness shots are delicious. Here is our order from last week.

• Blue Apron: We’ve tried a few meal services and Blue Apron is our favorite. Products have been fresh and you can easily customize to your liking.

Books and Activities for Mental Engagement

To keep Steve’s mind active and reduce the boredom of recovery. Steve’s not a huge reader so finding something to engage him has been somewhat challenging. Audio books, books about baseball and playing card games are all in our daily schedule. Not his favorite activity but he’s willing to try just about everything to improve his memory.

Reliable Pulse Ox Monitor, Blood Pressure Monitor and Scale

To regularly check his vitals, ensuring any irregularities are caught. We track everything in the Apple Health App which can be sent to his doctor. Easy peasy. iHealth AIR Rechargeable Fingertip Pulse Oximeter and iHealth Track Smart Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor.

Staying Organized with A Medical Planner

Speaking of easy tracking. Since we have both had major medical issues, breast cancer and cardiac, I’ve learned that keeping all your notes in one place is essential. We both have our own “medical journals” that we take to all appointments, track symptoms and make our list of questions for upcoming appointments. I just used a spiral notebook but with Steve’s cardiac event I ordered the Clever Fox Large Medical Planner 12-Month – Medical Notebook, Health Diary, Wellness Journal & Logbook to Track Health. Love it. We use the Symptom pages for notes, since we track symptoms in the Health App. It’s a great way to have everything in one place.

The other item I purchased is a dry erase white board. With the neurological issues Dory needs lists to remind him of basically everything. He likes to write his daily tasks on the board and then check them off throughout the day. This one is double sided and sits on the counter. I like that it has a pen holder and the eraser is magnetic so they never go missing. Double-Sided Dry Erase White Board, 16” x 12” Magnetic Desktop Whiteboard with Stand,10 Markers, 6 Whiteboard Magnets, 2 Eraser

OTHER

• Portable Adjustable Folding Walking Cane with Seat–This has been great. We just keep it in the car and if we are running errands, like Costco or the grocery, he has an insta-chair incase he gets too tired. Just make sure you have the legs attached before you attempt to sit down or like me you will go flying across the tile floor. LOL!

Each of these products played a pivotal role in not just safeguarding Steve’s physical health but also in bolstering our emotional well-being during a vulnerable time. Let’s be honest…they make me feel much better. I may get a few eye rolls when the Zon truck pulls up but he eventually admits that the latest and greatest is helpful. He’s a good sport and works really hard to make things easier on me.

Our journey of recovery continues, and every day brings its challenges and triumphs. Sharing these